9 Apr 2016

On Thursday, Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels delivered an imperious performance against Liverpool, and according to Reds hero Stephane Henchoz, Hummels should be on Jurgen Klopp's transfer radar this summer.

When asked on Friday about the possibility of £25m-rated Hummels moving to Liverpool this summer, Henchoz told TalkSport:

“Will Hummels want to come to Liverpool? He is very comfortable on the ball. Very good in the air, and he is a top-class defender. He is somebody that Liverpool probably want to bring in.”

Hummels has proven himself to be 'top-class' over a number of years, but is there any room for him at Anfield?

* Lovren and Sakho are (for the most part) playing well, and it seems unlikely that either will leave the club this summer.

* Joel Matip will arrive in the summer to bolster the ranks, and Martin Skrtel - who signed a new contract last summer - is also likely to stay at the club.

* Right now, Liverpool have three established internationals, plus an older, experienced head (Toure) who provides cover, and doesn't expect to play every game, and that dynamic works (but only if injuries free up spaces).

* If, say, Liverpool sell Skrtel and sign Hummels, that dynamic will change to four international centre-halves (Hummels, Lovren, Sakho, Matip), and that will (arguably) create unhealthy competition.

Of course, it's probable that injuries will ensure rotation, but what happens if all four defenders stay fit for a significant period of time? At least one of the four will become unhappy at some point, and Sakho's Anfield walkout last season is a prime example of what happens when frustration sets in.

Will Klopp go in for Hummels this season? Reds legend Mark Lawrenson doesn't think so, and on Friday, he told Radio 5 Live:

“When Klopp arrived at Liverpool, everybody presumed he was going to try and sign Mats Hummels. From what I’ve heard at Liverpool, Klopp has a little bit of a doubt about Hummels in the Premier League.”

What is the source of Klopp's alleged 'doubt'? It could be lack of pace. Hummels has many good qualities, but he lacks pace, and in the fast and furious environment of the Premier League, speed is a desirable asset amongst central defenders.